Sony a5100 vs a6000

[TeamSy]

So I currently have the Sony RX100M3 but I really want one of those Sony mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses! I know the a6000 is the newer model, so I'm sure the specs are probably better, and I know it has the place for an add on flash (which I can't ever see me using), but I really like the a5100 because of the touchscreen (it's SO cool!) and the 180 degree flip screen. However, I hate that to change the mode you have to go into the menu (vs the clickable dial on the a6000 and most other Sony models). Anyone have any of these cameras that can chime in? Do you find the mode change on the 5100 annoying? Would getting an older model be the wrong decision?

 

[havoc315]

The A5100 and A6000 are the same age (actually, I think the A5100 is a few months newer).
There are several key advantages of the A6000:
- EVF. The A5100 has no viewfinder. Having a viewfinder makes it much easier to stabilize the camera, and makes it much easier to shoot in bright light.
- A6000 has hotshoe for additional flash, no such option on the A5100.
-A6000 has far more direct controls. If you like to control aperture, shutter speed, etc.. You have well-laid out controls on the A6000. On the A5100, you have to dive through menus.
-A6000 can shoot 11 frames per second. The A5100 is limited to 6 fps.

Some of the differences are described here::
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-a5100

Basically, the A5100 is designed for amateur P&S shooters, who want a P&S experience in a better camera.
The A6000 is designed for mid-level shooters who want to do a bit more.
The A6300 is the current model for APS-C enthusiasts.
The A7 is the current model for entry level full frame.
The A7rii is the current model for full frame super enthusiasts and pros.

 

[TeamSy]

Oh I had no idea they were about the same age! It's so hard to choose . Do any of the other models have the 180 degree flip and touchscreen? I really fell in love with those features! Honestly, I would 100% choose the 5100 if, like you said, I didn't have to go through the menu to select the different modes. It seems so annoying! Honestly, I really love the rx100m3 but I want a camera in which I can change the lenses, and I am a total amateur, so I'm a little scared some of the A7's may be too advanced for me.

 

[havoc315]

Oh I had no idea they were about the same age! It's so hard to choose . Do any of the other models have the 180 degree flip and touchscreen? I really fell in love with those features! Honestly, I would 100% choose the 5100 if, like you said, I didn't have to go through the menu to select the different modes. It seems so annoying! Honestly, I really love the rx100m3 but I want a camera in which I can change the lenses, and I am a total amateur, so I'm a little scared some of the A7's may be too advanced for me.

The a7 is no more "advanced" then the a6000, but full frame lenses get expensive in a hurry.

If you solely intend to use the camera like a phone -- using the screen and always full auto, then stick with the a5100. If you hope to eventually improve your photography by taking advantage of the controls, then the a6000 is vastly superior.

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

I have an a5100. It takes very nice pictures. I use it mainly on auto, aperture priority, or shutter priority, so it doesn't bother me too much going into the menu to switch. I guess if I wanted to switch modes very quickly and often it would. The one thing that does bother me about the camera is the lack of a viewfinder. (I believe the a6000 has a viewfinder.) You need to compose your pictures looking at the screen, and in bright sunlight the screen can be difficult to see. There is a bright sunlight setting you can use for the display that cranks up the contrast, and it does help; however, I wouldn't be surprised if it drains the battery a lot. Let me know if you have any specific questions about the a5100. And if you do decide to buy it, snatch it up this week at Best Buy for $100 off the original price plus free memory card, camera bag, and strap. I am kicking myself I didn't wait a little longer to be able to take advantage of that deal! (They also have a good deal on the bundle with an extra lens that is only $50 more than what I paid for my camera with the one lens.)

ETA: Oh, and it's not a full touch screen. Touch features can only be used for a handful of things.

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

One more update on changing the mode on the a5100--I just discovered a much quicker way to change it without diving into the menus. If you just press the select button while shooting, it automatically takes you into the mode menu, and then you just turn the dial to pick the mode and hit select again. So much quicker doing it this way than diving into the menus like I was doing before.